Höfner 456 German Vintage Archtop - Born on Jan 25th, 1960 - Beautiful Flamed Maple - Pro Setup (2,3mm Action)

The History & Model:

Up for sale is a stunning piece of German guitar history: a Höfner Model 456. In the late 1950s and early 60s, Höfner was the leading European manufacturer of archtop guitars, and the 456 was their highly regarded "upper mid-range" model. Situated above the basic 455, the 456 was known for its superior tonewoods, elegant multi-ply bindings, and high-quality finishes.

​Exact Dating:

This particular instrument carries its "birth certificate" inside: it is hand-dated January 25th, 1960. It is rare to find an instrument where the exact production date is so clearly preserved.

​Condition & Tonewoods:

​Body: A beautiful Spruce top paired with a spectacular highly flamed Maple back and sides. The Sunburst finish is in remarkable condition for its age, showing a deep glow and only very light vintage patina (finish checking).

​Neck & Fretboard: The rosewood fingerboard features premium block inlays. The frets are in outstanding condition, looking almost unplayed with plenty of life left.

​Hardware: Comes with the original compensated ebony bridge and the original tailpiece.

​Playability (The "Player's Choice"):

Unlike many vintage archtops that suffer from high action, this 456 has been professionally set up. It plays effortlessly with an exceptionally low action of 2mm at the 12th fret. It is a true "player's guitar" with that classic 1960s woody, percussive jazz and swing tone.

​Honest Restoration & Notes:

To ensure this guitar stays on the road for another 60 years, a few careful maintenance steps were taken:

​Neck Heel: The neck heel had a typical age-related separation. It has been professionally stabilized and reglued with high-quality luthier’s glue. It is now rock-solid and ready for full string tension.

​Tuners: The original tuners show significant vintage oxidation (rust patina), which we decided to preserve to keep the guitar's authentic character. They have been cleaned and lubricated and work smoothly. Note: One tuner button is slightly bent but fully functional.

​Pickguard: The original celluloid pickguard is missing (very common for this era due to material "gassing"), but all original mounting points are intact.

​Summary:

This is a rare opportunity to own a 1960 Höfner that doesn't just look good on a wall but is a joy to play. Perfect for collectors and jazz/blues musicians alike.